Join the UOESD National Debating Championship 2025! Learn how to apply, key deadlines, rules, topics, and prizes for Nigeria’s top school debate contest.
The United Organization for Education and Sports Development (UOESD) proudly presents the 12th National Debating Championship in 2025, an exciting platform for Nigerian students to showcase their critical thinking, eloquence, and reasoning skills. Partnered with the Maurice Akueme Foundation, this championship invites primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria to compete on a national stage.
Whether you’re a young debater or a school representative, this guide provides all the steps, deadlines, and details you need to participate and aim for incredible prizes, including cash awards and international study opportunities.
Introduction to UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
The UOESD National Debating Championship 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of intellect and dialogue among Nigeria’s brightest young minds. Organized by the United Organization for Education and Sports Development and supported by the Maurice Akueme Foundation, this 12th edition brings together students from primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to debate pressing topics. With no entry fees and a chance to win prestigious awards, this event is your school’s opportunity to shine. Read on to learn how to apply and prepare for this transformative experience.
Key Details of UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | UOESD & Maurice Akueme Foundation |
| Eligibility | Nigerian primary, secondary, tertiary schools |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Video Entry Period | March 30, 2025 – September 30, 2025 |
| Zonal Stage | October 2025 – March 2026 |
| Grand Finale | July 2026 |
| Prizes | Cash, study abroad support, medals, trophies, certificates |
What is the UOESD National Debating Championship?
The UOESD National Debating Championship is an annual contest that unites students from across Nigeria to debate topics relevant to their educational levels. Now in its 12th year, the 2025 edition, backed by the Maurice Akueme Foundation, offers a fee-free entry to encourage participation from all corners of the country. Schools compete in three categories—primary, secondary, and tertiary—each with a unique topic, culminating in a grand finale where top teams vie for national recognition and substantial rewards.
Why Participate?
This championship sharpens public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills while offering a shot at life-changing prizes like foreign study support and cash awards. It’s a chance to represent your school and make a mark on a national platform.
How to Apply for UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
Applying for the UOESD National Debating Championship 2025 is simple and cost-free. Follow these steps to get your school’s team registered and ready to compete.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Who Can Join: Open to all Nigerian schools at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
- Requirement: Schools must be based in Nigeria; no international entries are accepted.
Step 2: Form Your Team
- Primary & Secondary Schools: Assemble a team of three speakers.
- Tertiary Institutions: Send multiple teams of three speakers each.
- Role Flexibility: Teams can argue for or against the assigned topic.
Step 3: Understand the Debate Format
- Speaker Timings:
- Speaker 1: 5 minutes
- Speaker 2: 3 minutes
- Speaker 3: 2 minutes
- Topics by Level:
- Primary: “Schools should be seen as a better agent of socialization than family.”
- Secondary: “The Nigerian Government has done more good than harm to its citizens.”
- Tertiary: “Africa’s underdevelopment is a natural fact, not made by man.”
Step 4: Prepare and Record Your Entry
- Video Submission: Record one video featuring all three speakers presenting the full debate.
- Details to Include: School name, speaker names, state, and contact information.
- Quality Tip: Ensure clear audio and video for judging accuracy.
Step 5: Submit Your Entry
- Method: Send your video via WhatsApp to +2348145655819.
- Deadline: Entries must be submitted between March 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025.
- Confirmation: Save your submission receipt or message for proof.
Key Deadlines
- Video Entry Opens: March 30, 2025
- Video Entry Closes: September 30, 2025
- Zonal Stage: October 2025 – March 2026
- Grand Finale: July 2026
Rules and Guidelines for UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
- No Fees: Registration and participation are completely free.
- Team Size: Three speakers per team for primary and secondary; tertiary schools can submit multiple teams.
- Video Format: One continuous video per team, covering all speakers.
- Judging: Based on content, delivery, and adherence to time limits.
Submission Tips
- Test your recording setup beforehand.
- Practice to fit within the time limits for each speaker.
- Include all required details clearly in your submission message.
Prizes and Awards for UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
The championship offers a range of rewards at different stages:
Early Rounds (Zonal Stage)
- Gold Medal: 90–100% score
- Silver Medal: 80–89% score
- Bronze Medal: 70–79% score
National Prizes (Grand Finale)
- Cash Prizes: Awarded to top-performing teams.
- Study Abroad Support: Undergraduate support for secondary winners; postgraduate support for tertiary winners.
- Plaques & Trophies: Gold, silver, and bronze for top teams.
- Certificates: For all teams meeting set point thresholds.
- Special Awards: Best speaker per category and best debating school (top six).
Motivation to Compete
These prizes not only recognize talent but also open doors to educational opportunities abroad, making this a high-stakes, high-reward contest.
Where to Get Help or More Information
- Contact: WhatsApp +2348145655819 or email uoesdessaycompetition@gmail.com.
- Official Updates: Visit https://www.uoesd.org/blog/2025-2026-national-debating-championship for full details and updates.
Stay Connected
Reach out with questions or clarifications to ensure your application is on track.
Conclusion
The UOESD National Debating Championship 2025 is your chance to shine on a national stage, representing your school and debating topics that matter. With no entry fee, a straightforward application process, and prizes ranging from cash to international study support, there’s every reason to get involved. Start preparing your team now, record your video, and submit it by September 30, 2025, via WhatsApp to +2348145655819. Don’t miss this opportunity—apply today and let your voice be heard!
FAQs About UOESD National Debating Championship 2025
What is the UOESD National Debating Championship 2025?
It’s a nationwide debate contest for Nigerian primary, secondary, and tertiary schools, organized by UOESD and the Maurice Akueme Foundation.
Who can participate in the championship?
Any school in Nigeria at the primary, secondary, or tertiary level can join for free.
How do I apply for the championship?
Form a team of three, record a debate video on the assigned topic, and send it via WhatsApp to +2348145655819 by September 30, 2025.
What are the debate topics for 2025?
Primary: “Schools should be seen as a better agent of socialization than family.” Secondary: “The Nigerian Government has done more good than harm to its citizens.” Tertiary: “Africa’s underdevelopment is a natural fact, not made by man.”
When is the deadline to submit entries?
Video entries must be submitted between March 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025.
What prizes can my team win?
Winners can earn cash, foreign study support (undergraduate for secondary, postgraduate for tertiary), medals, trophies, plaques, and certificates.
I will love to join
next time I love the debate competition thanks
That’s awesome. Good luck 🤞🏾